Iowa seniors deserved better than 7-5

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Members of the Iowa defense bring down Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. during an NCAA college football game against Iowa on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Iowa defensive lineman Carl Davis runs off the field with teammates after making a stop during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Iowa defensive lineman Carl Davis runs off the field with teammates after making a stop during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Iowa tailback Mark Weisman is brought down by Nebraska defensive lineman Maliek Collins as teammate Byerson Cockrell looks on during an NCAA college football game on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Iowa's John Lowdermilk (37) brings down Nebraska tailback Ameer Abdullah during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Iowa's John Lowdermilk (37) takes an interception in for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Iowa's John Lowdermilk (37) celebrates with coach Kirk Ferentz after taking an interception in for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Iowa's Quinton Alston (52) waits on the sidelines before the start of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Nebraska defensive back Nate Gerry (25) runs with an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Nebraska players celebrate after defensive back Nate Gerry intercepted a pass during an NCAA college football game against Iowa on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Nebraska defensive back Nate Gerry runs off the field after an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Nebraska defensive back Trevor Roach picks up a Jake Rudock fumble during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Iowa's John Lowdermilk (37) takes an interception in for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

Iowa tight end Jake Duzey looks for yards after the catch during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Charlie Litchfield/The Register

IOWA CITY, Ia. -- The senior members of Iowa's football team deserved a more satisfying sendoff.

What they got Friday was a punch below the belt, losing 37-34 in overtime to Nebraska.

"It's definitely not the way I want to go out," linebacker Quinton Alston said. "I feel like I gave everything I have today. It stings a little bit, man."

This is a pain that will linger long after Iowa (7-5 overall, 4-4 in the Big Ten) accepts an invitation to some mid-level bowl game.

The 16 seniors were pivotal in helping the Hawkeye build a 24-7 lead midway through the third quarter, but they couldn't prevent the Cornhuskers from rallying twice in the fourth quarter and eventually winning on Tommy Armstrong Jr.'s 9-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Bell.

"These are some of the best guys I've ever met in my life," junior running back Jordan Canzeri said. "I feel they deserved that win just because of who they are. Football isn't like that. It was a tough-fought game. And (Nebraska) made some plays."

Among Iowa's playmakers:

Senior receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley, who has played every game since 2011, finished with six catches for 63 yards.

He needs just three more receptions to eclipse the school record of 173, set by Derrell Johnson-Koulianos.

"We had our opportunities," Martin-Manley said. "We didn't capitalize, and that's what we need to do next game."